Mutharika hires Malopa as chief strategist

President Peter Mutharika has hired former director general of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Bright Malopa, as chief advisor to the president on communication and strategy.

Presidential press secretary Fredrick Ndala asked to confirm did not deny but asked for time to verify the proper designation.

However, Malopa on Thursday confirmed to Nyasa Times that he has indeed be hired as “chief advisor to the president on communication and strategy.”

Asked what his take on the appointment was, Malopa told Nyasa Times: “Of course I am immensely pleased to be part of Prof. Mutharika’s brilliant team in part because our State President has a brilliant program to industrialize this country.”

President Mutharika and his new chief advisor Malopa

He added: “I want to be part of that success story by helping his administration to build communication platforms and strategies around people’s participation. As you will recall, President Mutharika built his decisive win on three leadership principles: a clear vision, clean execution of the campaign program and simple yet inspiring message which was making better sense for business, especially in terms of free trade, tax policy, civil service reforms and job creation.

“This clear and consistent vision of a Malawi whose people will months from now be made to realize their dreams and ambitions, will require restructuring of communication program that consolidate all communication systems and platforms to help his government speak with one voice and a strategy to deliver the same.”

Malopa said he has had “endless discussion” with the President about his vision and how he wants it communicated to his people.

“I am humbled and honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility to be the bearer of good news, Good things are coming and this country will be changed for the greater good. Who does not want to be part of this exciting vision?” said Malopa.

Mutharika has also hired Paulos Chisale former Presidential Valet for his elder brother late president Bingu wa Mutharika as personal assistant on security and intelligence.

The President has also hired other advisors who include former first Callista Mutharika, Francis Mphepo , former minister Symon Vuwa Kaunda and DPP northern region chairman Nick Masebo.

Meanwhile, a law expert has question the presidential powers in appointing advisors.

According to Garton Kamchedzera, a professor of law at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College, the constitution does not give powers to the Head of State to appoint advisors.

He further argues appointing advisors is just a drain on the country’s resources since the cabinet ministers are mandated by the constitution to be advisors to the president.—(Additional reporting by Maurice Nkawihe, Nyasa Times.)